MAY 9, 2013

Seniors 2013
l o o h c S h g i l o H o n h e c l e S B finity High In
VALENCIA COUNTY

News-Bulletin

2 Belen Seniors 2013 Valencia County News-Bulletin May 9, 2013

Abigail R. Ortiz/News-Bulletin photo

BELEN HIGH SCHOOLS Class of 2013 will graduate with nine valedictorians. Pictured, in front, from left, are Ashley Norcross, Matthew Becker, Andres Salas, Nicolas Garcia and Adam Merrill; on top, from left, Michaela Gallegos, Katie Mae Harris, Alexis Sanchez and Rebecka Gammil.

Achieving their goals at Belen High School

The 2013 graduating class of BHS will honor nine valedictorians this year
The 17-year-old from Bernardo plans to attend either University of Notre Dame or New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology in Socorro to study math and physics. He wants to become a teacher. Salas credits his academic success to his sister, Arinea. She set the standard as last years valediction and also yelled at him to complete his homework. For valedictorian Matthew Becker, of Rio Communities, this is the third year in a row for his family, including his brother and cousin, to have achieved this top honor. Being class president for four years and having two of his best friends graduate as valedictorians with him top his list of accomplishments Becker plans on attending either Ohio State University

By Abigail R. Ortiz

News-Bulletin Staff Writer aortiz@news-bulletin.com

Belen Determination and perseverance guided nine seniors to work toward straight As and participate in multiple school clubs, amongst other activities, to achieve the highest honor possible at Belen High School. Now these nine valedictorians set their eyes on new heights to achieve their life-long goals. Although National Merit Scholar winner and Student Body president top Andres Salas list of accomplishments, giving his life to Jesus is what he says changed his life.

or Case Western Reserve University to receive a biomedical engineering degree. He hopes to make the world a better place through his research. The biggest influence in Beckers life is his dad, Ralph, who has loomed quietly in the background, pushing his son to the next level. Katie Mae Harris top accomplishments include her involvement in organizations that lend the community a helping hand while exposing her to whats going on within the community. The 18-year-old was involved in Student Council for three years, Staters, a student service organization, for two years, one of which was as president, and the National Honor Society for three years. See Valedictorians, Page 14

high school

BELEN
Class of 2013
Julianna Aragon Shalene Aragon

May 9, 2013 Valencia County News-Bulletin Belen Seniors 2013 3

Carlos Aguilera

Eliseo Aguirre

Augusta Amaro-Lucero

Christian Aragon

Dominic Aragon

Carlos Arevalo

Colleen Armijo

Xavier Armijo

Sierra Aroz-Garcia

Brandi Arredondo

Jessi Astorga

Antonio Baca

J Baca

Justin Baca

Sabrina Baca

Monique Baldonado

Brooke BeBault

Faith BeBault

Belen Consolidated Schools

DISTRICT MISSION STATEMENT
To help students acquire the knowledge, skills and character to become productive adults, deal effectively with change and have a positive impact on their community.

CONGRATULATIONS

and Best Wishes to Our Loyal & True 2013 Belen High School and Infinity High School Graduates

www.beleneagles.org 505-966-1000

4 Belen Seniors 2013 Valencia County News-Bulletin May 9, 2013

Congratulations Class of 2013

Matthew Becker

John Berry

Fay Briscoe

Jeffrey Brisson

E Elias Barela B 505-866-1252

Attorney at Law LLC
www.barelalaw.com
b
ur
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Hosting a
Divinity Buerke Ashley Burnham Tyler Campbell Chance Canon

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Give us a call and place your order today!
Belen: 864-6740 Los Lunas: 565-8570
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Bosque Farms: 869-3878 Broadway (Albuquerque): 242-0966

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You made it
Congratulations to the Class of 2013. As you embark on your future endeavors, let us help you reach your goals for financial success. Belen101 S. Main St.505-864-5788 wellsfargo.com

2013 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. (921135_08399)

May 9, 2013 Valencia County News-Bulletin Belen Seniors 2013 5

Britney Chavez

Johnny Chavez

Justin Chavez

Marcos Chavez

The best music in the area. Mostly Country with some Oldies, Southern Rock and Blues. Get in touch with us soon before all dates are booked. Negotiable rates, available for all occasions. Contact Dean at wdgorham@outlook.com or David at 505-866-9658.

Whoa Nellie

Sams Butcher Block

Maride Chavez Lorena Chavira Nicholas Christopher Bradley Clark
1470-A Bosque Farms Blvd. Bosque Farms, NM 87068 (505)869-3750

Great Ideas For Graduation Parties?

Ask Sam or Lucinda
Hamburger Patties, Hot Dogs, Steaks, Ribs, Pork Chops, Chicken, Lunch Meats, Cheese, Green Chile Bratwurst, Breakfast Sausage, Hot Italian, Sweet Italian

Were building a reputation of excellence for you!

Caty Clark

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6 Belen Seniors 2013 Valencia County News-Bulletin May 9, 2013

Bethlehem Trading Post

BUY SELL TRADE
Jessica Cornejo Lozoya Emily Crowder Kaitlyn DArcangeli Tiffanie Danner

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2013 505-861-1001 1300 S. Main Street Belen, NM 87002
Carry Out Available Catering Available
Orlando & rita gonzales owners

Fabian DeVargas

Yessica Diaz

Joshlyn Duran

Michelle Elias

Ritas New Mexican Restaurant

528 Becker St. Belen, NM 87002 864-0217 Mon.-Fri. 7:00am-2:00pm Saturday 7:00am-1:00pm Sunday 8:00am-1:00pm
congratulations

Jocilyn Eylicio

Lucas Forde

Skylar Foster

Michael Gabaldon

2013

class of

Were so proud of the young man youve become. As you begin this journey, remember that we will always be with you and know how proud we are as a family that you had the courage and drive to follow your dreams. What you have accomplished is only the beginning. Remember our motto, There is nothing worse than wasted talent. Use the lessons God has taught you and strive to make your place in this world. He is your guiding light and will give you strength in the tough times. We love you and will always be here for you. God bless you Son.

Xavy,

Love, Dad, Mom, Worm, Mari and Prem

May 9, 2013 Valencia County News-Bulletin Belen Seniors 2013 7

Bobbys
Automotive, Inc.
Dyanna Gallegos Michaela Gallegos Stephanie Galloska Rebecka Gammill

Congratulations Belen Seniors CLASS OF 2013

You name it, well fix it!

Import & Domestic Tune Ups Brakes Air Conditioning Transmissions Engine Repair Computer Diagnostics

505-864-8626 19512 HWY 85 Belen, NM 87002 Behind Hwy. 85 Auto Parts

Bobby Gutierrez Voted Best Mechanic in Valencia County!

To our wise graduates...

Nancy Garcia Santos Araceli Garcia Delisha Garcia Jacqueline Garcia

We wish you good fortune and happiness as you begin a new chapter.

Greater Belen
Chamber of Commerce
Kyana Garcia Michael Garcia Nicolas Garcia Priscilla Garcia

505-864-8091
Daring to dream. Preparing for success.

Good Luck Class of 2013!!!!

Robert W Pratt, Agent 2800 San Mateo Blvd NE Ste 102 Albuquerque, NM 87110 Bus: 505-881-3330 www.robertwpratt.com

Let the caps fly! Step into the future with someone you can trust for all of your insurance & financial needs!! Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didnt do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. - Mark Twain

Congratulations Graduates from the School of Dreams Academy

1001058.1

State Farm, Home Oce, Bloomington, IL

(505) 866-SODA or www.SodaCharter.com 1800 Main NE Suite 250 Los Lunas, New Mexico

8 Belen Seniors 2013 Valencia County News-Bulletin May 9, 2013

TIRES. WHEELS. BRAKES. SHOCKS. STRUTS. ALIGNMENT. BATTERIES

0% INTEREST FOR 12 MONTHS OAC

CRAIG TIRE CO.

Belen and Peralta

Jonathan Gentner

Ryan Gililland

Kayla Gonzales

Phillip Gonzales

www.CraigTire.com
505-864-4464 Belen 19236 HWY 314

CLASS OF 2013
The Oldest Tire Company in Valencia County
505-866-1275 Peralta 3593 HWY 47

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE

Est. 1981

SHOP HOURS: MONDAY-FRIDAY 8AM-6PM/SATURDAY 8AM-4PM/CLOSED SUNDAY

Ana Grajeda

Dylan Greenlee

Charles Griego

Kelli Gurule

L.L.C.

Harley Davidson Servicing available

SOLD HERE FOR ALL TYPES OF VEHICLES, TRACTORS, ATVS AND UTVS

Alejandro Gutierrez

Katie Harris

Krystal Haslett

Brenda Hubbart

3657 Hwy 47 Peralta, New Mexico 87042

505-459-5515

Pick-Up & Delivery Availabe

Open Tues-Fri 10-6, Sat 9-4
Expires 8/31/2013

GRADUATES!
Youre making a di erence in Valencia County.

CONGRATULATIONS

AUTO LOANS

CRUISE INTO SUMMER SAVINGS

Were giving away cash & iPads all summer long. Finance your auto loan with SECU and...
Youre entered into weekly drawings to win an iPad Mini Get up to $250 cash when we nance your loan Refer a friend and youll receive $50 cash 60 days until your rst payment 2% o your current rate

ALBUQUERQUE CAMPUS
Dental Assisting Medical Assisting Medical Billing and Coding Medical O ce Management

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Registered* Nursing Pharmacy Technology Physical Therapist Assistant

*Licensure and certication to practice are the exclusive responsibility of the applicable State Board of Nursing.

For comprehensive consumer information, visit carrington.edu/cc/student-consumer-info

Not just for State Employees

CARRINGTON.EDU
Program availability varies by location. 2013 Carrington Colleges Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

www.secunm.org
OR

OAC. Loan must remain active for a minimum of 12 months. Amount nanced must be a minimum of $10,000. 2% o is based on loans renanced from another nancial institution with a minimum rate of 2.24%. $200 to be paid when loan is closed and funded, with an additional $50 to establish your new membership with us. A $50 referral fee will be paid to the referrer for every closed and funded loan referred to SECU. Oer expires August 31, 2013.

May 9, 2013 Valencia County News-Bulletin Belen Seniors 2013 9

2013 Grads, you worked hard!!

Thanh Huynh Jr Arely Jurado Jefferey Kincaid Brittany Knepfler

Treat yourself to a Stress relieving Scalp and Shoulders Ritual Enjoy a calming wellness experience for neck and shoulders using the power of touch to relax, balance, release tension. at

Inner Beauty
Call 505-869-3000 for Appt.
www.my-inner-beauty.com

Hair Studio & Spa

William Krause

Nicholas Kurtz

Frankie Landavazo

Elizabeth Loney

Colleen,

Since the day you were born, we knew our good Lord had sent us the most precious gift. You are an amazing, sweet and good-hearted young lady. We are so proud of you! Keep God in mind with every decision you make. He will guide you. Well love you forever and always. Now fly like an eagle and remember where your nest will always be. God bless you!

Alicia Lopez

Kaitlin Lopez

Ashley Marquez

Kayla Marquez

Love and blessings, your Momma & Tata

GRADUATE to a Whiter Smile

Look your best for graduation and beyond with a bright, beautiful smile!
Offering the whitest smile possible in 1 hour with Zoom!
Accepting new patients Family & Cosmetic Dentistry

Senator Michael S. Sanchez would like to congratulate

the Belen Graduates Class of

Much Happiness and Success in Your Future!

Senator Michael Sanchez was the author and main sponsor of the Legislative Lottery Scholarship. I encourage every 2013 graduate to use the scholarship as they continue their education.

2013

205 Rio Communities Blvd Belen 505-864-3065

10 Belen Seniors 2013 Valencia County News-Bulletin May 9, 2013

Tessa Marquez

Zachary Martin

Angel Martinez

Elizabeth Martinez

Why not spend the summer together swimming in our outdoor heated mineral pool and hot tubs and rejuvenate your body with a variety of facials, massage, hand & foot treatments, outdoor treatments, salon services, & much more.
Bring in this ad and receive 10% off any regular priced Spa or Salon service.

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Jessica Martinez

Melanie Martinez

Victoria Martinez

Alma Mccormack

You have accomplished so much, I am so proud of you. If its on the basketball court or in class...you have grown into a great young man and it makes me proud to be your father! I love you, son!

Ray,

Samantha Medina

Maria Mendez Ruiz

Gabrielle Mendoza

Adam Merrill

Dad, Nana, Grandpa & Dapo

We all love you,

Your success and determination and dreams have become a story for your future, and what a great book you have written. You made us proud on the person you have become. As you put it, The fear is not thatyou youset setyour yourgoals goalstoo to high that highand and never reach them rather you set them too low and reach with ease. Congratulations, We love you Mom, Chel-C, Ashlee, Shea Preston and Owdin

Congratulations Class of 2013

T-shirts For Everyone NFL Gear, MLB, NBA, Collegiate Womens, Mens and Kids Clothes Playboy Apparel and Accessories Tennis Shoes, Dress Shoes, Boots Sunglasses, Caps, Hats and Beanies Handbags, Evening Clutches, Backpacks and Wallets Formal Dress, Dancewears and Jerseys Dickies Pants, Shorts and Shirts Sports Novelties, Blankets, Comforters, Bedding Sets, Body Pillows and Gifts Items Body Jewelry & Hip Hop Accessories Color Contact Lenses - Licensed Distributor
162 Caldwell Ave Belen Del Rio Shopping Plaza
Go to www.trendonesports.com for extra savings coupon

Open 7 days a week 10am-8pm

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505-861-0551

Premium Quality T-shirts 3 for $10.00

STOREWIDE CLEARANCE SALE UP TO 75% OFF
WHILE SUPPIES LAST SEE STORE FOR DETAILS

May 9, 2013 Valencia County News-Bulletin Belen Seniors 2013 11

Now offering lower *APR loans!

Bobby Montano Lucero Montes Gomez Brandon Montiel Alisha Montoya

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*ANNUAL PERCENTAGE RATE: The APR is the cost of your loan expressed as a yearly rate. APR and Payment Total Amount will vary depending on individual loan length.

3526 Hwy 47 Peralta, New Mexico

505.565.0643
Felisha Montoya Lauren Montoya Raymond Montoya Perla Muniz

Guadalupe Munoz

Nicholas Myers

Steven Narboe

Martin Narro

Christopher Newey

Tanner Nicholas

Ashley Norcross

Carl Ntiforo

Congratulations
Class of 2013
Wishing you success towards your future goals.

Zane Nunez

Bailey Olguin

Felicia Olguin

Ashley Olivas

City of Belen
100 S. Main St. Belen, NM 87002 505-864-8221 www.belen.nm.gov

Brandy Ortega

Adolfo Ortiz

Carissa Padilla

Lawrence Padilla

12 Belen Seniors 2013 Valencia County News-Bulletin May 9, 2013

Autographs
Kendall Peter Mary Porcher Antonio Ramirez Edwin Ramos

Carolyn Reyes

Isaac Reyes

Wyatt Robinson

AnMarie Rodriguez

Jessica Rodriguez

Jordan Rodriguez

Shannon Russell

Hannah Saiz
To: Bugg To my compassionate, fun loving, spontaneous, loud, fabulous, gorgeous, and sometimes obnoxious little sister. All the nights we stayed up staring at the ceiling, talking about how our days went, what we did, who we saw (Only if they were cute), and what we were going to do tomorrow, all of our sleepless nights, going to Walgreens at 1 in the morning. Getting Arizona teas, Mac-N-Cheese, and a bag of Donnettes and then going home to watch Billy Madison or Scott Pilgrim vs The World. We have been side by side since we were little even if that meant sitting on the couch holding hands till we could get along. From making mud-pies in Lake Lue Ellen, to watching The Big Comfy Couch in our bed-sheet forts. Our childhood rocked with the exception of your 3 broken arms and me being in the hospital. No matter what came at us we stayed tight till the end and that is how it will always be. In my mind we are twins, when one of us is happy or sad we can feel it even when I am in Clovis and you are in Belen. You have become such a beautiful, strong and smart woman. I love you and no matter how old we get I will always have time for forts and mud pies. When we get old Ill be in my pink wheelchair and you will be riding on it like a shopping cart with both of us yelling as loud as we can TO INFINITY AND BEYOND!!! I love you Bugg to heaven and back. Love, SISSY XOXO To the girl with the I will try attitude, you have come along way from that little girl. Bugg you were such a delight to watch grow into the beautiful young lady you are. You make us laugh and sometimes cry, but we are proud of you for being straight forward and saying or doing what you know is right. You are such a great softball player & we are so grateful to David Castillo for that! We love you Bugg, one last thing O DOYLE RULES!!!! Mommy & Daddy

Samantha Saiz

Theresa Saiz

Andres Salas

Alexis Sanchez

Andrew Sanchez

Emma Sanchez

Lee Sanchez

Keiana Sanchez-Chavez

Lucy Schulz

Stetson Schutte

Jorden Sedillo

Robert Sedillo

May 9, 2013 Valencia County News-Bulletin Belen Seniors 2013 13

Summer Sedwick

Jonatan Sepulveda

Christopher Sharp

Erica Sluder

Kevin Worley

Desiree Woznick

Chris Zamora

BELEN high school

Jeremiah Smith Billy Stewart Joshua Thomas Amber Thompson

Class of 2013
NOT PICTURED
Oziel Corral Victor Dominguez Jonathan Garcia Gerardo Gonzalez Tammysue Jaquez Cody Leavy Catherine Moxley Stephan Myers Marie Ponce

Kierra Belone Brandon Brown Britney Bucknam Anthony Castillo David Chavez Julian Chavez Manuel Chavez Elijah Cooeyate Andrea Torres Bianca Torres Jade Torres Stephen Torres

Pedro Rios Brandon Rivera Giovanny Rivera Joshua Salas Jimmy Sanchez Charlie Tafoya Joey Thomas Felix Ulibarri

Dinner Parties Special Events

Let us cater to your taste!

Kaydra Townsend

Kristen Trujillo

Shyanne Turley

Dominic Ulibarri

Dine-in Carry out

Two great locations

Rutilios New Mexican Food

455 N. Main St. Belen, NM (505) 864-0093 2350 Main St. NE Los Lunas, NM (505) 565-2055

Kylie Ulibarri

Tyler Valdez

Nicholas Valerio

Sonora Vallejos

Lucia Varela

Andrea Vasquez

Jesus Velasquez

Eden Vigil

Let us cater your graduation parties!

14 Belen Seniors 2013 Valencia County News-Bulletin May 9, 2013

from PAGE 2

Valedictorians
Gallegos said. The 18-year-olds parents, Juan and Cindy, of Belen, have given her a support system and pushed her to do her best because, she said, they know Im capable of doing a lot of things. On top of receiving valedictorian and participating in four clubs and marching band, Rebecka Gammill is proud she was chosen as one of a handful of seniors in the MESA-sponsored senior incentive field trip, where she traveled to New York City for four days worth of science and history lessons. The 17-year-old plans to attend the University of New Mexico to pursue an elementary education degree to teach. I really love kids, said Gammill, a Los Chavez resident. Her favorite course is a Child Development class that allows her to help at the day care center at the high school. Gammill said her best friend of 13 years, Michelle Elias, has pushed her to strive for her best. Senior Adam Merrill challenged himself one day to push himself to the limit to see what he could do. I stuck with it and here I am, valedictorian, said Merrill, 18. The Rio Communities resident listed getting a 32 on his ACT, the Eagles Scout Award before the age of 18 from Boy Scouts of Americas Troop 105 and eighth place in the Skills USA National Competition for computer maintenance as his top accomplishments. He plans to study computer science at New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology or Neumont University. A big accomplishment for Ashley Norcross was to receive the Drum Major award in the 2012 New Mexico Pageant of the Bands with the high schools marching band. The 17-year-old has played the flute in band since the sixth grade. The Rio Communities resident said being a part of the National Honor Society, which she served as vice president, was a great honor. She plans to attend Brigham Young University. She said her parents, Troy and Pamela, influenced her success by making sure she was happy with what shes accomplished.

The Rio Communities resident plans on joining the Navy to become an oncologist and hopefully find a cure for cancer, she said. Harris mother, Connie Bouyer, has been the sole influence in her life that pushed her to the top. She not only supported her, but explained to her what life would be like without receiving an education. For Alexis Sanchez, receiving valedictorian status recognizes the hard work shes built upon over the past four years. This, along with her involvement in clubs, such as MESA for three years, two of which were as president, Staters and the National Honor Society, and community service are amongst her tops accomplishments. Theyre all rewarding in their own ways, Sanchez said. The 18-year-old will attend the University of New Mexico to get a degree in psychology and become a child psychologist. Her parents, John and Tami, have supported her, telling her to do her best. Thats what Ive strived for, she said. Nicolas Garcia is elated to have received a 34 on his SAT, beating his brother, Dante, by three points, being National Honor Society president and reaching valedictorian while sticking to his path as best as I could, the 17-yearold said. The Tom resident plans to study electrical engineering and computer programming at the University of Notre Dame. Hopefully, he said, Ill retire as a mad scientist. He credits his father, Ray, with teaching him how to keep his eye on the ball. With a combination of ambition and hard work, and even just a little bit of luck, you can make big things happen, Garcia said. You can really push yourself far. Michaela Gallegos top three accomplishments include achieving valedictorian, participating in six clubs, such as MESA, Skills USA and Natural Helpers, and being accepted into the University of New Mexico/New Mexico State Universitys Cooperative Pharmacy Program, which grants her automatic acceptance into UNMs College of Pharmacy. Its a really big accomplishment,

BELEN high school

Class of 2013 Class Motto
Remember yesterday, dream for tomorrow, live for today.

Class Colors
Maroon and White

Class Flower
Four-leaf Clover (means good luck)

Class Song
Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) By Green Day

Graduating at 6 p.m., Tuesday, May 14,

at the Belen High School Football Stadium

May 9, 2013 Valencia County News-Bulletin Belen Seniors 2013 15

INFINITY
high school

Class of 2013
Jason Buckley Guadalupe Bustamante Brandon Deleon Andrea Gabaldon

Johnny Bernal

Christine Blanco

Bailee Golliheair

Amber Houghton

Robyn Layton

Bethany Martinez

Myranda Morales

Cristobal Munoz

Ashley Ortega

Margarita Quezada

Mariah Vigil

Trevion Williams

NOT PICTURED Rebecca Chacon Manuel Jiminez

INFINITY
high school

Class Motto
Our class is boss.

Class Colors
Maroon and White

Class of 2013

Class Flower
Tiger Lily

at the Community center at eagle park

Graduating at 6 p.m., Friday, May 10

Class Song
Young By Kenny Chesney

16 Belen Seniors 2013 Valencia County News-Bulletin May 9, 2013

Cheers to you, Class of 2013! Were proud of you, and we wish you all the best as you pursue your goals for the future. May all of your hopes and dreams come true.

Los Lunas High, Valencia High, Century High and School of Dreams Academy seniors to be featured in upcoming issues. Call us for more information.
VALENCIA COUNTY

1837 Camino del Llano Belen 505-864-4472 www.news-bulletin.com

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